NEW ZEALAND ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH CABLE, (FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1875 Session I, F-06

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1875. NEW ZEALAND.

NEW ZEALAND ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH CABLE, (FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO).

Presented to both Souses of the General Assembly by Command of Sis Excellency.

No. 1. Mr. Attdley Coote to the Hon. J. Vogel. Sin,— Hobarton, 7th July, 1874. Be Submarine Cables, —I have the honor to inform you the Parliament of New South Wales have fully ratified the Conference agreement. As this completes tho negotiations on this side the water, I shall be glad to hear when the arrangements are likely to be made to settle the final details with my principals in London. I have, &c., The Hon. J. Vogel, C.M.G. Audley Coote.

No. 2. The Hon. J. Vooel to Mr. Atjdley Coote. Sic— Premier's Office, Wellington, 28th July, 1874. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th instant respecting the settlement of final details for the construction of the proposed telegraph cables. In reply, I have to state that the Government of New Zealand are now corresponding with the Government of New South Wales upon the subject. I have, &c, Audley Coote, Esq., Hobarton. Julius VocffiL.

No. 3. Memobandtjm for the Hon. J. Vogel by Dr. Hecxok. I ventijbe to address you on the subject of the line to be adopted on the Submarine Telegraph Cable to Australia, as a question of some practical importance has occurred from a perusal of the account of the soundings recently made by the " Challenger." It appears from these soundings that the great submarine cliff, which is close inshore on the West Coast of the Province of Otago, is continued in a northerly direction while the coast tends to N.E., so that the shoaling of the water was observed by the " Challenger" at a distance of over 200 miles from land. West of this cliff is very deep water (from 10,000 to 15,000 feet), while east of it is a submarine plateau on which the water has a depth of about 1,600 feet only, with an irregular bottom. As it has long been foreseen by those who have attended to this subject that the submarine cliff above referred to will be the chief difficulty to be overcome in laying a cable, and will probably necessitate the use, for a certain distance, of a cable of much heavier material than that used for the main part of the distance, I would suggest for consideration whether it would not be advisable to connect the line with the New Zealand coast at a point much further South, when the sudden deepening of the water would be close to land. By this means the thick portion of the cable would be reduced to a minimum of length, and, being a shore line, would be more under control for inspection and repair than if it were a long distance from the coast. But, on the other hand it might perhaps be possible to avoid the submarine cliff altogether by adopting a more northerly route, as there are reasons for supposing that the cliff will diminish in that direction, or, in other words, I—E. 6.

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that the depth of water on the shore or upper plateau will gradually increase and pass without abrupt change to the greatest depths that are met with in the channel lying between this aud Australia. lam aware that even greater submarine cliffs are crossed by the Atlantic cables, but they should be avoided if possible; and a sectional line of soundings that shows the change from 15,000 to 1,500 feet, with suspicion of a rocky bottom, will cause a material increase in the amount of tenders for construction, laying, and maintenance of the cable. It is evident that further soundings are necessary on several lines, not only to determine the direction of the edge of the plateau, but also to find the grade or slope at which the water deepens. These soundings would, of course, all be comparatively near the land. I make these remarks as you perhaps have the subject at present under consideration, and might wish to consult Captain Nares on the best plan for any future soundings that are thought desirable. A map enclosed shows the supposed contour lines of the submarine cliff in red, with A, the " Challenger;" B, the southern line, and C, the northern line, referred to above. James Hectoe. Ist July, 1874.

No. 4 The Hon. the Colonial Secbetaht, New South Wales, to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaby, New Zealand. Sib, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Sydney, 16th June, 1871. I have the honor to transmit, for your information, copies of the Votes and Proceedings of the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council of this colony, by which you will see that Parliament has approved of the agreement between New Zealand, Queensland, and New South Wales, for the joint construction of telegraph cables between New Zealand and this colony, and between Normantown, in Queensland, and Singapore. 2. While there is a general concurrence of opinion in the Legislature on the advisability of constructing and maintaining a second and independent telegraphic cable between Europe and Australia in connection with New Zealand, objections have been urged both to the amount (£1,000,000 sterling), and to the period (thirty-five years) of the proposed guarantee. As you, no doubt, are aware, it is reported that a new description of cable has been successfully manufactured, which will much reduce the price of construction. I append copy of a letter I have received on this subject from an officer of the Victorian Government's ship "Victoria," which, although written by that officer in his private capacity, I think it is right I should place before you. 3. In view of these circumstances, I respectfully invite the attention of your Government to a reconsideration of the conditions of contract submitted by Mr. Audley Coote, before the three colonies finally commit themselves to the undertaking. 4. I may mention that Her Majesty's ship '" Challenger," which left this port a few days ago, is now under instructions surveying a path for the cable between this colony and New Zealand. I hare, &C, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, New Zealand. Henbt Paekes.

Enclosure 1 in No. 4. Telegeaphic Cable Comjiunicatioit. The Order of the Day having been read, on motion of Mr. Parkes, Mr. Speaker left the Chair, and the House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole, for the consideration of the following resolutions, viz.:— (1.) That this House approves of the following Conditions of Agreement for the construction of a telegraph cable between New Zealand and New South Wales, and one between Normantown, in Queensland, and Singapore, as agreed upon by the representatives of the Colonies of New Zealand, Queensland, and New South Wales, in Sydney, on the 14th February, 1873; and empowers the Government to enter into a contract, in conjunction with the other Governments named, upon the terms therein stated, for the purpose of carrying out this undertaking. Agreement. "The following Conditions for the construction of a Telegraph Cable between New Zealand and New South "Wales, and one between Normantown, in Queensland, and Singapore, are those which the Eepresentatives of New South Wales, New Zealand, and Queensland agree to recommend their Governments to submit for the approval of their respective Parliaments :— " 1. The three colonies shall jointly enter into an arrangement for the construction of an electric cable to be laid between some point in New Zealand and some point in New South Wales, and also a cable to be laid from Normantown, in Queensland, to Singapore, the latter to be a through cable, touching only at such points as may be agreed on, and to be eutircly distinct the whole distance from the line between Port Darwin and Singapore. '" 2. The arrangement to be for a guarantee of five per cent, for a term not exceeding thirty-five years, upon a sum not exceeding one million pounds for the cost of the two lines. "3. Twelve thousand pounds per annum to be allowed to cover in full all expenses. All receipts above twelve thousand pounds to pass in reduction of the guarantee. The contractors to retain receipts in excess of the guarantee; but if the profits are more than ten per cent., the Governments may require that the rates shall be lowered to amounts calculated to reduce the profits to ten per cent.

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'• 4. The guarantee to be paid only whilst the lines are in working order: Provided that four weeks in each year will be allowed for repairs. If the New Zealand line only be in order, one-third of the guarantee* to be paid; if the Singapore line only be in order, two-thirds of the guarantee to be paid. If the lines are not kept in order with due diligence, or if communication should permanently fail, the guarantee to cease. " 5. The two lines to be commenced and constructed simultaneously. " 6. The cost per message of twenty words from New Zealand to New South Wales not to exceed fifteen shillings ; the charge for each word above twenty being ninepence. And the cost for twenty words from Normantown to Singapore not to exceed forty shillings for the first two years, and thirtyfive shillings afterwards; the,charge for each word above twenty being two shillings. " 7. Queensland to undertake to keep the land line to Normantown open for the use of the other contributing colonies, at rates not to exceed at any time seven shillings for twenty words. " 8. The three Governments to act in unison, and to jointly arrange the details. " 9. This agreement, after being approved of by the respective Governments, to be subject to ratification by the respective Parliaments; and the details to be arranged in London by representatives appointed by the three colonies. " 10. The Governments will require to be satisfied that the contractors have made proper provision for the use of a through line of communication between Singapore and London. " Henet Pabkes. "Saul Samuel. "Julius VoaEi. "William H. Eeynolds. "A. H. Palmee. " Sydney, 14th February, 1873." "J. Malbon Thompson. (2.) That this Resolution be transmitted to the Legislative Council for its concurrence. Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair; and the Chairman reported progress, and obtained leave to sit again this day. The Order of the Day having been read, —Mr. Parkes moved, That Mr. Speaker do now leave the Chair, and the House resolve itself into a Committee of the whole for the further consideration of the Eesolutions respecting Telegraphic Cable Communication; and that the Message of His Excellency the Governor, No. 44, in reference thereto, be referred to the Committee. Question put and passed. Whereupon Mr. Speaker left the Chair, and the House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole accordingly. Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair; and the Chairman reported that the Committee had come to certain Eesolutions. Ordered, on motion of the Chairman (with the concurrence of the House), that the said Eesolutions be now received. The Chairman then reported the Eesolutions (as recorded in entry 22 above), which were read a first time. Mr. Parkes then moved, That the Eesolutions be now read a second time. Question put. The House divided. Ates, 25. —Mr. Parkes, Mr. G. A. Lloyd, Mr. Farnell, Mr. Allen, Mr. Lackey, Mr. Hill, Mr. Cummings, Mr. Neale, Mr. Baker, Mr. Thomas Eobertson, Mr. Scholey, Mr. Piddington, Mr. Hoskins, Mr. Watson, Mr. Booth, Mr. O'Connor, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Cunneen, Mr. Hurley (Narellan), Mr. Cooper, Mr. Driver, Mr. Tunks, Mr. Hurley (Central Cumberland). Tellers—Mr. Burns, Mr. Macintosh. Noes, 3. —Mr. Forster. Tellers—Mr. Stewart, Mr. Lucas. And so it was resolved in the affirmative. Eesolutions read a second time, and on motion of Mr. Parkes, agreed to. Ordered, That the following Message be carried to the Legislative Council: — Mr. President, —• The Legislative Assembly having this day agreed to the following Eesolutions, viz. :— '• (1.) That this House approves of the following Conditions of Agreement for the construction of a telegraph cable between New Zealand and New South Wales, and one between Normantown, in Queensland, and Singapore, as agreed upon by the representatives of the Colonies of New Zealand, Queensland, and New South Wales, in Sydney, on the 14th February, 1873; and empowers the Government to enter into a contract, in conjunction with the other Governments named, upon the terms therein stated, for the purpose of carrying out this undertaking : — Agreement. " The following Conditions for the construction of a Telegraph Cable between New Zealand and New South Wales, and one between Normantown, in Queensland, and Singapore, are those which the Eepresentatives of New South Wales, New Zealand, and Queensland agree to recommend their Governments to submit for the approval of their respective Parliaments:— " 1. The three colonies shall jointly enter into an arrangement for the construction of an electric cable to be laid between some point in New Zealand and some point in New South Wales, and also a cable to be laid from Normautown, in Queensland, to Singapore, the latter to be a through cable touching only at such points as may be agreed on, and to be entirely distinct the whole distance from the line between Port Darwin and Singapore. " 2. The arrangement to be for a guarantee of five per cent, for a term not exceeding thirty-five years, upon a sum not exceeding one million pounds for the cost of the two lines.

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'■ 3. Twelve thousand pounds per annum to be allowed to cover in full all expenses. All receipts above twelve thousand pounds to pass in reduction of the guarantee. The contractors to retain receipts in excess of the guarantee; but if the profits are more than ten per cent, the Governments may require that the rates shall be lowered to amounts calculated to reduce the profits to ten per cent. "4. The guarantee to be paid only whilst the lines are in working order: Provided that four weeks in each year will be allowed for repairs. If the New Zealand line only be in order, one-third of the guarantee to be paid; if the Singapore line only be in order, two-thirds of the guarantee to be paid. If the lines are not kept in order with due diligence, or if communication should permanently fail, the guarantee to cease. " The two lines to be commenced and constructed simultaneously. " The cost per message of twenty words, from New Zealand to New South Wales, not to exceed fifteen shillings; the charge for each word above twenty being ninepence. And the cost for twenty words from Normantown to Singapore not to exceed forty shillings for the first two years, and thirtyfive shillings afterwards; the charge for each word above twenty being two shillings. "7. Queensland to undertake to keep the land line to Normantown open for the use of the other contributing colonies at rates not to exceed at any time seven shillings for twenty words. "8. The three Governments to act in unison, and to jointly arrange the details. "9. This agreement, after being approved of by the respective Governments, to be subject to rati- / fication by the respective Parliaments; and the details to be arranged in London by representatives appointed by the three colonies. " 10. The Governments will require to be satisfied that the contractors have made proper provision for the use of a through lino of communication between Singapore and London. "Henbt Pabkes. "Saul Samuel. " Julius Vogel. "William H. Reynolds. "A. H. Palmes. " Sydney, 14th February, 1873." "J. Malbon Thompson. " (2.) That this Resolution be transmitted to the Legislative Council for its concurrence. " Transmits the same to the Legislative Council accordingly." Legislative Assembly Chamber, Sydney, 2nd June, 1874. On motion of Mr. Samuel, the President left the Chair, and the House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole for consideration of the Legislative Assembly's Message in reference to this subject. The Chairman having reported that the Committee had resolved to concur in the Resolution agreed to by the Legislative Assembly in reference to this subject, — Mr. Samuel moved, That this House do now adopt this Eeport. Question put and passed. Mr. Samuel then moved, That the following Message be carried to the Legislative Assembly:— Me. Speakeb,— The Legislative Council having taken into consideration the Legislative Assembly's Message, dated 2nd June, 1874, in reference to Telegraphic Cable Communication, concurs in the Resolution of the Assembly on this subject. Question put and passed.

Enclosure 2 in No. 4. Mr. S. S. Ceispe to the Chief Secbetaby, New South Wales. H.M.C. Surveying Ship, "Victoria," Queenscliffe, Sib— Victoria, 16th March, 1874, Having seen by the Melbourne papers of the 14th inst. that it was probable the New South Wales Government, in conjunction with other colonies, would lay a telegraph cable between Singapore and Queensland, I have the honor to inform you that by the last mail from England I have heard of a newly invented cable that can be manufactured at half the cost of the usual cable. It is about to be brought to trial by some of the richest men in Europe ; the cable is to be laid between Lisbon and the Azores. lam not at liberty to describe the cable, but think it is certain to be a success; and as the saving of one-half the cost of a cable is of great importance in a cable of great length, I have thought it a duty to let you know of this cable, should you not be aware of it. I should also mention that the proposed cable is far easier to lay down than the usual one used at present. I shall probably hear further of it by next mail, and should you wish it, shall be happy to supply the information I may receive, so far as I am at liberty to do so, and at any rate can give you the name of the inventor. I write this letter in a private capacity, and not as a member of the Admiralty Survey of this colony. My address will be Queenscliffe for a week or two. I have, &c, The Chief Secretary, New South Wales. S. S. Cbispe.

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No. 5. The Hon. J. Vogel to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet, New South Wales. Sis,— Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 27th July, 1874. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th ultimo, in which you inform me that the Parliament of New South Wales has approved of the agreement between that colony and the Colonies of New Zealand and Queensland for the joint construction of telegraph cables between New Zealand and New South Wales, and between Normantown, in Queensland, and Singapore; and inviting this Government, in view of the circumstances mentioned in your letter, to a reconsideration of the conditions of contract submitted by Mr. Audley Coote, before the three colonies finally commit themselves to the undertaking. 2. In reply I have to say that I think it would be desirable for representatives of the three Governments to take the matters to which you refer into consideration. 3. The New Zealand Parliament is now sitting, but it is likely the Session will soon be over ; and during September I do not doubt some one representing this Government could meet representatives from Sydney and Queensland at Melbourne, if such an arrangement would not be inconvenient, or perhaps Sydney might be preferred. The question you raise in your letter could not be discussed by the three Governments so well by correspondence as by personal conversation. I have, &c, The Hon, the Colonial Secretary, New South Wales. Julius Vogel.

No. 6. Captain G. S. Naees to the Hon. J. Vogel. Sib — H.M.S. " Challenger," Wellington, 2nd July, 1874. As many in New Zealand are interested in the best telegraphic route between Australia and this colony, I have the honor to enclose tracings of charts showing the soundings I lately obtained on a line between Sydney and Cook Strait, with remarks on the conditions of the bottom with regard to its suitability for a telegraph cable. 2. On the Australian coast, the incline from the 100-fathom line, which was 17 miles from the land, into a depth of 2,100 fathoms at 57 miles distance, was about 1 in 20, which is less abrupt than we had previously found to be the case further to the southward off Twofold Bay, where it was about lin G. The bottom, which consists of soft ooze, then slopes down to a depth of 2,600 fathoms, at a distance of 240 miles from the coast, the temperature being 33°, which conditions continue for 140 miles. 3. From this extreme depth the bottom slopes upwards with a gentle incline, with soft ooze, for 400 miles, until, at a position 780 miles from Sydney and 335 miles from the entrance to Cook Strait we obtained soundings in 1,100 fathoms. Between this and New Zealand only shallow soundings below 400 fathoms, with hard bottom, were obtained. The most westerly of these, 275 fathoms was 200 miles from the land, and 125 miles to the eastward of the 1,100 fathoms sounding. The shoal water evidently extends for some distance farther to the westward, probably as much as 100 miles, which would give a total breadth of shallow water of 300 miles. The bottom on the shoal was extremely hard, so much so that we obtained little or no samples in the sounding rods; but as both the dredge and trawl dragged freely along without catching in any irregularities, it must have been of a smooth nature. 4. On reference to former soundings on the general chart, it is evident that a somewhat similar bank extends for a considerable distance to the westward of the North Cape of New Zealand. Such being the case, the shoal is probably continuous, and shallow water may be expected all along the western side of the North Island; but I see no reason to suppose that deep water does not extend to within a very short distance of the South-west Cape of the Middle Island, which is also the nearest land to Australia. I have, &c, The Hon. J. Vogel. • G-. S. Naees, Captain.

No. 7. Mr. John Moeison to the Hon. J. Vogel. Sir, — London, Ist September, 1874. Owner large steamers—'• Seine " just finished successfully Brazilian—can lay cable New Zealand-Australia in about nine months —four hundred thousand cash or guarantee. Moeison.

No. 8. In Executive Council. His Excellency the Governor is recommended to sign the accompanying two Orders in Council authorizing arrangements to be made under " The Telegraph Cables Subsidy Agreement Eatification Act, 1873,"—

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1. With the Governments of New South Wales and Queensland. 2. With Contractors. 10th September, 1874. Jtrntrs Vogel. In Council, 10th September, 1874. Approved—James Pebgxtsson, Governor. POESTEE GOEINO, Clerk of the Executive Council. ORDER IN COUNCIL. James Peegttsson, Governor. At the Government House, at Wellington, this tenth day of September, 187-1. Present: His Excellency the Governor in Council. Whereas by the third section of " The Telegraph Cables Subsidy Agreement Ratification Act, 1873," it is enacted that the Governor in Council, or any person authorized by the Governor in Council in that behalf, may, subject to the provisions of the said Act, agree with the Governments of New South Wales and Queensland respectively, or any person or persons duly authorized to act for such Governments respectively, for any modifications of the agreement recited in the said Act and referred to in the said section, excepting always as regards the third article of the said agreement: And whereas by the fourth section of the said Act it is enacted that the Governor in Council, or any person authorized by the Governor in Council in this behalf, may, subject to the provisions of the said Act, jointly with the Governments of New South Wales and Queensland respectively, agree with any company or person for the construction or maintenance of the telegraph cables in the said Act mentioned on the terms and conditions in the said articles of agreement, subject to and with the modifications of the same (if any) agreed upon under the powers contained in the third section of the said Act: And whereas, by the ninth section of the said Act, it is enacted that the Governor in Council, or any person at any time authorized by the Governor in Council in this behalf, may in the event of no agreement being entered into under the fourth section of the said Act, agree, by way of guarantee of interest on outlay, with any company or person, for the construction, maintenance, and working of a Submarine Electric Telegraph Cable between New Zealand and any of the Australian colonies, on such terms and conditions as the Governor in Council or such person so authorized as aforesaid, as the case may be, may think fit, subject to the conditions in the said ninth section mentioned: And whereas it is expedient that a person should be authorized and appointed to make and enter into the agreement authorized to be entered into by the said ninth section of the said Act: Now therefore, His Excellency the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Executive Council of New Zealand, and in exercise and pursuance of the powers and authorities contained in and conferred by the said ninth section of the said Act, doth hereby authorize and appoint the Hon. Julius Vogel, C.M.G., Member of the Executive Council of New Zealand, to enter into the agreement which by the said ninth section of the said Act is authorized to be entered into, and with all the powers and authorities by the said ninth section of the said Act vested in or conferred on the Governor of New Zealand, or person authorized by the Governor in Council. Poestee Gomira, Daniel Pollen. Clerk of the Executive Council. ORDER IN COUNCIL. James Peegttsson, Governor. At the Government House, at Wellington, this tenth day of September, 1874. Present: His Excellency the Governor in Council. Wheeeas by the third section of " The Telegraph Cables Subsidy Agreement Ratification Act, 1873," it is enacted that the Governor in Council or any person authorized by the Governor in Council in that behalf may, subject to the provisions of the said Act, agree with the Governments of New South Wales and Queensland respectively, or any person or persons duly authorized to act for such Governments respectively for any modifications of the agreement recited in the said Act and referred to in the said section, excepting always as regards the third article of the said agreement:—■ And whereas by the fourth section of the said Act it is enacted that the Governor in Council, or any person authorized by the Governor in Council in this behalf, may, subject to the provisions of the said Act, jointly with the Governments of New South Wales and Queensland respectively, or any person or persons duly authorized to act for such Governments respectively, agree with any company or person for the construction and maintenance of the telegraph cables in the said Act mentioned, on the terms and conditions in the said articles of agreement, subject to and with the modification of the same (if any) agreed upon under the powers contained in the third section of the said Act: And whereas it is expedient that a person should be authorized and appointed to make and enter into the several agreements authorized to be entered into by the said third and fourth sections of the said Act respectively: Now, therefore, His Excellency the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Executive Council of New Zealand, and in exercise and pursuance of the powers and authorities contained in and conferred by the third and fourth sections of the said Act respectively, doth hereby authorize and appoint the Hon. Julius Vogel, C.M.G., Member of the Executive Council of New Zealand, to enter into the several agreements which by the third and fourth sections of the Act are authorized to be entered into, and with all the powers and authorities by the said sections of the said Act vested in or conferred on the Governor of New Zealand, or a person authorized by the Governor in Coimcil. POBSTEE GOEING, DANIEL POLLEN. Clerk of the Executive Council.

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No. 9. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, New South Wales, to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, New Zealand. Sir, — Sydney, 15th September, 1874. I have the honor to enclose, for the consideration of your Government, a copy of a letter received by my colleague the Postmaster-General from Mr. Samuel Knevott, of Adelaide, Agent for the Eastern Extension, Australasia, and China Telegraph Company, communicating a telegram from Colonel T. G. Glover, the Managing Director of that Company in London, with requests that, in the event of Siemens' being unable to raise money on the terms of the concession made to him in respect of the laying cables between New South Wales and New Zealand, and between Normantown, in Queensland, and Singapore, and applying for modifications, his Company may have an opportunity of proposing terms for consideration before such modifications be conceded. 2. Mr. Knevett has been informed that, with the concurrence of the Governments of New Zealand and Queensland, Mr Samuel will be glad to give Colonel Glover's proposition a favourable consideration, should the necessity arise. I have, &c, Henby Paekes. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary of New Zealand.

Enclosure in No. 9. t Mr. Kneyett to the Hon. Saul Samuel. Eastern Extension, Australasia, and China Telegraph Co. Limited, Sib,— Adelaide, 7th July, 1874. I have the honor to inform you that lam instructed by Colonel T. G. Glover, the Managing Director of this Company in London, to submit to you the following telegram, received by me in Adelaide on the 4th instant, having reference to an agreement made with Captain Audley Coote for the submergence of telegraph cables between India and New Zealand, and recently ratified by your Parliament. I trust that you will enable me to telegraph a considerate reply from your Government to the Directors of this Company in London at an early date. Copy of Telegram. " To the Hou. Samuel Saul, Sydney. " If Siemens unable to raise money on terms of concession, and applies for modification, please give us an opportunity of proposing terms before agreeing. Prom Colonel T. G. Glover, London." I have, &c, The Hon. Saul Samuel, Samuel Knevett, Postmaster-General for New South Wales. Agent to the Company.

No. 10. The Hou. J. Vooel to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, New South Wales. Sir,— ■ Wellington, 7th October, 1874. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the loth September ultimo, covering the copy of a letter received from Mr. S. Knevett, Agent for the Eastern Extension, Australasia and China Telegraph Company, soliciting the consideration by your Government of a telegram received by him from Colonel T. G. Glover. In reply, I beg to inform you, with the concurrence of the Governments of New South Wales and Queensland, that, should the necessity arise, Colonel Glover's proposal will receive due consideration from this Government. I have, <fee, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary of New South Wales. Julius Vogel.

No. 11. Mr. Audley Coote to the Hon. J. Vooel. 24th September, 1874. Wrote you to-day re cables. Shall I address Sydney or Melbourne? Principals anxiously await delegate arrange details. Can I wire your early departure ? Audlet Coote, Hon. J. Vogel, care Hon. Saul Samuel, Sydney. Hobarton.

No. 12. The Hon. J. Vooel to Mr. Audley Coote. Sydney, 25th September, 1874. Am conferring with Government upon subject, I shall probably go homo by November mail. Audley Coote, Hobarton. Julius Vooel.

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No. 13. Mr. Audley Coote to the Hon. J. Vogel. Sib,— Hobarton, 12th October, 1874. Ec Submarine Cables. I had this pleasure on the 23rd ultimo, when I sent you copy of a telegram that had been forwarded to the Messrs. Siemens. I have now the honor to refer to the telegram in this morning's paper from Sydney —viz., " The Postal and Cable Conference have agreed to an arrangement of all matters connected with the cable between Sydney, New Zealand, and Torres Straits." I shall feel much obliged if you will kindly inform me at your earliest convenience the arrangements you have made, so that I may wire particulars to my principals, that they may be in readiness to receive the delegate from this side, should you have decided to send one. I have, &c, The Hon. J. Vogel. . Audley Coote.

No. 14. Mr. John Mobison to the Hon. J. Vogel. Sib, — London, 4th September, 1874. Having considerable trade myself with the colonies as a shipowner and merchant, I have been very much annoyed of late for want of immediate communication with New Zealand, there being no knowledge by any one, Government Agents, Telegraph Companies, or merchants, of the sailings of vessels carrying letters between Australia and New Zealand, and even any telegrams sent to Melbourne or Sydney may have to wait a week at these ports before a message could go forward ; also, being aware that many in New Zealand are anxious and ready to pay for a telegraph service, I took the liberty to wire you on 31st August as follows : — " Owner large steamers —' Seine ' just finished successfully Brazilian—can lay cable New ZealandAustralia in about nine months. Four hundred thousand cash or guarantee " — considering you would forward or explain what the Governments would do towards that end. The " Seine," s., 3,500 tons, has been employed in laying the Brazilian Cable, and is one of the best vessels adapted for that work, being now disengaged, with other large steamers owned by myself, will show you I have the means of laying cables, and being interested in telegraphy for twenty years can supply any type or gauge that may be required. What I intended to supply was as specified herein, which would be of the best and latest improved cable yet laid, payment for which I would take in cash (and preferred), which might be most acceptable to you ; but if the Government would not purchase, I could arrange otherwise with a liberal guarantee of interest on £400,000, and for the monopoly for, say, thirty-five years. To expedite the making and laying of the cable until a company could be formed, I would undertake to do the work on an advance from your Government of two-thirds the value, giving security; but should none of these plans be accepted by you, I will feel obliged by receiving your proposal upon the subject. I am known to your Agent-General here, Dr. Featherston (although 1 have not told him of my addressing you), and otherwise can give you every satisfactory reference that I can do this work in a proper and efficient manner. I have, Ac., The Hon. J. Vogel. John Mobisojt. SPECIFICATION. Say 20 miles shore end 12 tons per knot. 80 „ intermediate ... ... ... ... ... ... 7 „ „ 1100 „ Main Cable If „ All materials to be of the best of their several kinds, and subject to the usual tests, and to be equal to those laid in the Mediterranean and Indian Seas, and to convey as many messages as any existing cable of the same length. Wire for shore end 10375 Intermediate ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 10-270 Main 16000 No. 13 Horn. Steel. Clark's Compound over all in each case, as per sketches herewith. . £ Can be made in three months, and sent and laid in six months.

No. 15. Mr. Attdley Coote to the Hon. W. H. Reynolds. Sib,— Sydney, Ist May, 1875. Ec Submarine Cables. Permit me to inform you that 1 reached this city yesterday, and that urgent telegrams call me to London to arrange matters with reference to the cable negotiations; the message also informs me I shall have to return to your colony immediately after my arrival in London. You have, I have no doubt, been informed by wire that a little difficulty has for the moment arisen in arranging the final details with the representatives in London ; but as I am called immediately to

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London to discuss matters that cannot be satisfactorily arranged by letter or wire, I shall have the pleasure of placing everything clearly before you in four months and a fortnight from this time. I am going on by the steamer " City of Melbourne " via San Francisco. I have, &c, The Hon. W. H. Reynolds. Audlet Coote.

No. 16. The Hon. J. Vooel to the Hon. Dr. Pollen. 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib, — 4th May, 1875. I enclose copy of a telegram I sent to you recently with respect to the proposed telegraph cable arrangement. 2. I forwarded that telegram because, as I was in negotiation with Sir D. Cooper representing New South Wales, and Mr. Francis, ex-Premier of Victoria, I did not wish that information on the subject should first reach you indirectly through the correspondence of either of those gentlemen. Otherwise the arrangement was sufficiently incomplete to make it undesirable that any information as to it should be telegraphed at so early a date. 3. I have agreed merely to the heads of the arrangements. They provide that for a sum of seven thousand five hundred pounds annually for ten years, the Eastern Extension Company will lay a cable to New Zealand, charging a tariff of seven shillings and sixpence for ten words, and ninepenee a word additional. It is proposed there shall be a covenant to reduce the charge for English messages upon a stated amount of subsidy being paid to the Company; but of course I shall not undertake that that subsidy will be forthcoming. 4. I am in treaty with Sir D. Cooper for New South Wales to pay one-third of the annual seven thousand five hundred pounds, or to so arrange as to relieve New Zealand from any contribution towards the subsidy for reducing the rate for English messages. 5. I have taken a very great deal of trouble in this matter; and I feel assured that the arrangement, when completed, will bo deemed satisfactory. I have, &c, The Hon. Dr. Pollen. Julius Vogel.

Enclosure in No. 16. The Hon. J. Vogel to the Hon. Dr. Pollen. London, 20th April, 1875. Subject to settling details, have almost concluded with Eastern Extension Company lay cable New Zealand, probably before Christmas. Subsidy, seven thousand five hundred annually for ton years. Tariff, seven six for ten words, ninepenee word additional. New South "Wales probably join us, paying one-third. Company covenants if colonies give subsidy twenty thousand for ten years make tariff Darwin-London three pounds for ten words, six shillings word additional. Let me know if outline approved. YOGEL. By Authority : Geokge Didsbfby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB7s. Price 9d.]